y, June 16. Nothing of importance transpired
during the day. Capt. B. W. Telfair of the 20th visited the Battery in
the evening. Our howitzer was elevated mortar fashion by letting the
trail into the ground. The metallic fuze bored out and a paper fuze of
longer time inserted. The charge of powder diminished to about five
ounces, and they were tossed over and above the mortar, doing good
effect.

Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 17. David Evans obtained permission
from Captain to go in search of his brother to the 20th Iowa and myself
to accompany him. As soon as breakfast was over we mounted our horses
and started down through the hollow to the left, and after six miles
travelling through a continual string of bayonets and tents, we found
them [20th Iowa] with the 20th Wisconsin, direct from the Army of the
Frontier, encamped with the low white dog tents. He found his brother.
Joyful meeting of course.

After two hours' stay we started back. Called at the 23rd Wisconsin to
see friends and arrived in camp by 3 o'clock, after having been within
three-quarters of a mile to the extreme left of the line. The line on
the left we found much weaker than here. No battery planted as yet in
formidable position. A 120-pounder opened this morning, dismounting one
piece as we watered. Called at the Battery hospital to see D. J. Davis
who was a little better. Mortar firing continuing; we replied with a
will. Not much damage done, I think.

[Sidenote: 1863 "Whistling Jim"]

Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 18. Very warm. Grazing forbidden
henceforth, therefore did not get our complement of blackberries. Grant,
evidently thinking that there was ammunition enough thrown away, issued
orders not to fire unless fired upon, consequently all was quiet except
when "whistling Jim" came over, when all the pieces returned the
compliment with a volley. Received letters from home and Helena. Little
anxious about us; received mine of the 24th ult.

Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 19. Very warm. But by keeping quiet as
much as possible not very oppressive. The enemy fired more to-day than
any day since we came here--the mortars once every thirty minutes, and
profiting by our example, they threw shells from light pieces, which
bursted directly overhead. No damages yet. Preparations being made for a
general shelling in the morning. Two hundred rounds of ammunition to
each piece. Put my shade over horses in the evening.

Before Vicksburg